Our stay at Highlands Castle was truly beyond anything we could have imagined, and it was made all the more special by the incredible hospitality of John and Yvonne (as well as Major and Bella!)
The views of Lake George from the castle were nothing short of breathtaking. My fiancé chose the perfect surprise stay for us and John was an integral member of the surprise. We approached the castle and immediately was surrounded by the beauty of the lake and the castle’s enchanting architecture—it truly felt like we were living in a fairytale.
We often found ourselves watching the sunrise and sunset paint the sky with all its beautiful colors. It was the kind of peaceful, awe-inspiring beauty that makes you just want to sit and soak it all in.
The castle itself is also just as stunning inside as it is outside. My fiancé and I spent hours just taking it all in, feeling like royalty as we enjoyed the beautiful scenery around us.
John and Yvonne, we can’t thank you enough for making our stay so memorable. From the delicious honey iced tea Yvonne made, the custom mugs, to the thoughtful gesture of bringing us plates and utensils when you saw us having dinner on the balcony, every moment felt special because of you.
We can’t wait to come back one day, hopefully with our future children, so they can experience the magic of Highlands Castle and the wonderful memories we created here. Thank you for making an unforgettable weekend even more special with your involvement and care. We are honored and blessed to have...
Read moreCelebrated my "One Last Knight" bachelorette weekend at Highlands Castle with some of my friends over Halloween weekend (Thurs-Sun) and we had the best time! John and Yvonne are incredibly kind and gracious hosts. They had a welcome note with our names to greet us as our stay began and Highlands Castle mugs to take home with us as souvenirs.
Six of us stayed in the Castle Cottage comfortably (the one right next to the main castle) with a private kitchen and bathroom. For one night of the weekend, my friend's surprised me and rented one of the rooms in the main castle for me so we would have access to the Great Hall to use for a themed dinner and hang out. John gave us a tour of the castle and the heartwarming history behind it. He was in on the surprise and helped my friends coordinate it. He lit the fire for us to enjoy that night, and we loved meeting their family dog, Major.
Most of us are from the city, so this was the perfect getaway— a gorgeous view of the mountains and Lake George, the crisp and fresh fall air, the quiet to enjoy while reading or journaling, catching up over a glass of wine. I got to enjoy my time with my friends, making memories that I'll carry with me forever.
And as if feeling like royalty for the weekend wasn't enough, the stand-out was truly the view. I'll be dreaming about it until I can make my way back here again. Highly recommend this stay with a group of friends, family, or a partner. I hope to come and visit again with my soon-to-be...
Read moreWe had the pleasure of taking a private tour of this truly one-of-a-kind property, and I can’t recommend it enough! The owner, John, is one of the kindest and most genuine people we’ve met. Despite it being the off-season and nearly everything in Queensbury closed due to rain, he went above and beyond to make our visit special—especially for our daughter, who was eager to see a castle. Incredibly, he arranged a same-day tour just for us!
What makes this place even more impressive is that John hand-built the home himself, starting in 1982, and continues to enhance it to this day. His passion and craftsmanship are evident in every detail. The structure itself is unique, with a whimsical, castle-like charm that feels both magical and personal. It’s not just a home—it’s a piece of living art.
The views from the property are absolutely breathtaking, overlooking the serene landscape of Lake George and beyond. It’s the perfect backdrop for weddings, private events, or even just a peaceful afternoon soaking in the scenery. The property is also available to rent for gatherings, and I can only imagine how magical it would be to host a celebration here.
This experience was a highlight of our trip and a memory we’ll always treasure. If you’re ever in the area, do yourself a favor and visit—you won’t regret it. Thank you again, John, for your generosity and for sharing your incredible...
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